Around 50,000 people joined a protest in Madrid, according to authorities, while large demonstrations were also held in Barcelona, Valencia and Seville.

Protesters waved Spanish flags and chanted slogans including “A united Ceuta will never be defeated” and “Sánchez to prison.” Some also called for migrants to leave the city.

Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the northern coast of Africa, has become the center of Spain’s worst border crisis in recent memory. The city normally marks September 2 with official ceremonies and cultural events, but this year celebrations were overshadowed by the crisis.

In late July, around 72,000 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta by swimming, climbing or charging across the border from neighboring Morocco. At least 90 people died during the attempt.

Most of the migrants either returned to Morocco or were sent back by authorities. However, around 5,000 migrants, including about 1,200 minors, were still in Ceuta weeks later, according to Spain’s national government. Local authorities have reported a higher number.

The sudden arrival of tens of thousands of people placed heavy pressure on Ceuta’s resources. The city has a population of around 84,000.

Ceuta’s regional leader, Juan Jesús Vivas, said the situation was not simply a migration crisis but a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.

“What happened to us was not a migratory crisis,” Vivas said during an official ceremony marking the city’s holiday. “What happened was the violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.”

Vivas is a member of Spain’s conservative Popular Party, which, along with the far-right Vox party, has used the crisis to criticize the left-wing national government.

Protests Target Spanish Government

The protests in Madrid and more than 200 other cities and towns were officially organized by the nonpartisan Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces.

However, the demonstrations were strongly promoted by the Popular Party and Vox, which has taken a hard-line position on irregular migration.

Spain’s Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, accused the organizers of using the crisis for political purposes.

“This is not to show support for the city of Ceuta or its residents; it is to attack the government of Spain,” Torres said.

The Spanish government has rejected claims that it abandoned Ceuta. This week, it announced €309 million ($357 million) in support for the city, including funding for social services, housing, the local economy and security.

Sánchez Accuses Foreign Actors of Spreading Disinformation

Questions have also been raised about whether Morocco could have done more to prevent the mass border crossing.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended Moroccan authorities, saying they acted quickly to help return most of the migrants.

Sánchez has also alleged that foreign actors amplified disinformation surrounding the crisis, although his government has not provided specific evidence of Russian or Israeli disinformation campaigns.

“There is no information from any of our intelligence services that points to the participation of Moroccan authorities,” Sánchez said.

He said confusion over a Supreme Court ruling and misinformation on social media encouraged people to rush toward the border.

Sánchez has accused social media accounts linked to Russia and Israel, as well as right-wing groups, of exploiting and amplifying the crisis after the mass crossing on July 30 and 31.

Both Russia and Israel have rejected the allegations.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said there was no evidence to support Moscow’s involvement.

Ceuta Struggles to Return to Normal

Life in Ceuta has still not returned to normal. Many migrants, including unaccompanied minors, remain in temporary camps or are sleeping on the streets and beaches while authorities work to provide shelter, register them and return those eligible to Morocco.

Moroccan migrant Nebil Tazi told The Associated Press that migrants were still waiting for a solution. “We’re suffering and we want to get to Europe or find a solution right now,” Tazi said.

Vivas has called for the city to return to normal and urged the Spanish government to strengthen its border with Morocco instead of relying solely on cooperation with its neighbor.

He warned that weak border controls could allow migration to be used for political purposes in the future. Sánchez said in a video message on Wednesday that his government was providing all necessary resources to help restore peace and stability in Ceuta.

The city’s annual holiday commemorates September 2, 1415, when the first Portuguese governor arrived weeks after Portuguese soldiers claimed the territory. Ceuta later came under Spanish control in 1580. The day is normally marked with official ceremonies, musical performances and cultural events.